Latest Posts

Pale Puma – “Down By The River”

September 11, 2023

Amsterdam-based four piece dreampop band Pale Puma brings us their newest single “Down By The River” off of their recently released album Haunted By Dreams That Were Never My Own (September 8, Excelsior Recordings). Shimmering guitars backdropped by slick bass create a shoegazy vibe with singer Django Duijns’ echoing voice wallowing in (calm) despair. Feeling somewhere between an upbeat Interpol or less upbeat Alvvays, Pale Puma’s sound is unique enough that they stand on their own quite well. The album itself is well worth the listen if you enjoy “Down By The River,” which you can find over on Spotify. My next favorite was probably “Sea of Discontent,” especially for letting bassist Remy de Kok shine a bit more. Be sure to let us know what you think over on our social medias – Facebook or X (aka Twitter, seriously that was the silliest rebranding of all time).

Helenor – “Bad2”

September 6, 2023

Brooklyn born musician David DiAngelis, the brains behind Helenor, brings us a nice diddly of a bedroom indie pop gem with his newest track “Bad2.” Beginning with a hooky lo-fi synth (that reappears throughout the song) DiAngelis wastes no time establishing a steady pace, bolstered by acoustic guitar, that builds upon itself. Speaking to the track, he had this to say: “This is a soundtrack for pretending you have the ability to be present…. ‘Bad2’ is a ball and a chain and a weighted walk through a vitamin D soaked summer day.” “Bad2” gave me Real Estate vibes, but slowed down and deconstructed. Fans of Alex G, Bonny Doon, or even MGMT would also find a lot to enjoy with “Bad2” and the rest of DiAngelis’s impressive catalogue. You can find that and more over on Spotify or YouTube if that’s your music listening preference.

Martha Rose x GRIP TIGHT – “Come On Over”

September 6, 2023

Berlin based musician Martha Rose teams up with collaborator Benjamin Luke Gregory, aka GRIP TIGHT, another artist who makes his home in Berlin by way of London. They’ve worked together previously on another single, “Never B Mine” and keep the magic going with the breezy lo-fi stylings of “Come On Over.” Contrasting the two songs is initially difficult, but “Come On Over” mostly stays in it’s synth-based dream pop lane – putting more focus on Rose’s vocals. It’s an incredibly sexy, synth-laden track that puts Rose’s haunting voice front and center, based on a mythical (or real?) “party” (re: orgy) on Mt. Olympus. Fans of Blue Hawaii, TOPS, or Grimes looking that “next big band” would certainly find a lot to enjoy here. Rose and Gregory have an ear for composition and have the sound of artists punching well above their weight with a polished yet not overwrought vibe. You can[...]

GRRL GANG – “Better Than Life”

September 2, 2023

Grrrl Gang, a power punky trio from Indonesia, brings us their latest track “Better Than Life” off of their new album sharing the same name. We previously covered them here, and had nothing but good things to say then… But to be fair that was mid August and we generally don’t turn on a band that quickly! You’re immediately assaulted with the full force of the entire band playing their hearts out and singer Angeeta Sentana droning and screaming into the mic a la Karen O. Just when the song reaches its peak, it’s over and you’re onto the next song. I can definitely get behind a song that grips me like that and manages to simultaneously give me what I need while leaving me wanting for more. I got some Sonic Youth noise vibes with with a touch of Ramones with this track, especially with it coming in at[...]

The Lovelines – “May Be Love”

September 2, 2023

Mysterious sister/brother duo, by way of Germany and Florida, The Lovelines bring us their latest single “May Be Love.” I found in it a fun, meandering piece that was honestly *so* relaxing to listen to that I felt like I was on vacation. The wavy guitars interspersed with the sister’s (no idea of their names, unfortunately) singing creates a soothing atmosphere that dream pop aficionados will most definitely enjoy. It’s a perfect, sauntering, dog days of summer vibe for that one last hangout by the pool. I think the most accurate comparison is probably Alvvays with the jazz vibe turned up like 30%. This was honestly a great stepping off point and I found some of their other tracks such as “1-800-LOVELINE” and their biggest hit “Strange Kind of Love” to be equally awesome. Be sure to check out “May Be Love” over on Spotify or Apple Music.

TELLL – “Garlic”

September 2, 2023

Mysterious collective TELLL, coming by way of Austria, brings us a slow burn, folk-tinged indie gem with their single “Garlic.” Morose to a fault (in the best ways), it’s the perfect end of summer slow jam and an easy shoe-in for an end of summer playlist. Big Thief with Adrianne Lenker turned up to 11 (on the morose monitor) is the best comparison I can think of, specifically the observations as the singer looks back on a failed relationship. This part of the song really gutted me: Did you cut your hair or leave it Like I always said you should Is your cat still on a diet Or did you give up on that plan? Do you sometimes, sometimes think of us? The subtle instrumentals give singer Änn plenty of room to shine and leaves room a instrument to shine at points (spoiler, it’s a trumpet). It’s obvious the[...]

Nick Cosic – “Submerged”

August 21, 2023

“Submerged” is the latest single from Serbian based musician and modular/vintage synth fanatic Nick Cosic. An electronic music producer and DJ by trade, leaning into techno and progressive house, he is a leader in the Serbian music scene and helps develop artists and is a frequent collaborator. Musically the song is… pure synth and drum machine with a noted modular sound – you’d be hard pressed to find any failings as it is impeccably produced and, outside of it’s total electronic vibes, evokes Daft Punk and/or post-punk Give “Submerged” a listen on Apple or Spotify. If you like what you hear, definitely check out his wealth of other tracks or his YouTube channel. Be sure to let us know if you’d like more electronic music too, over on our Insta or X.

SHIA – “Something’s Behind Me”

August 21, 2023

Shia Shania, the Shia behind SHIA, is self-professed history buff, sword collector… Not to mention running a talent agency. She somehow finds time to make some boppin’ beats. She brings us a drum machine and synth drenched pop track with “Something’s Behind Me” off of her Doom EP (August 18). While the lyrics are partly inspired by Netflix Horror sensation Stranger Things (itself an ode to 80’s horror), the fear of something behind you could unfortunately easily translate to the experience of any woman ever. I may be grasping at straws, but the cover art of the EP brings to mind the Japanese horror manga Uzumaki by Junji Ito. Despite the horror-inspired sensibilities, “Something’s” is actually a pretty upbeat track with an ultra-catchy bassline. Fans of Grimes looking for some more indie sensibilities or even Metric would find a lot to enjoy with SHIA, or anyone looking for that fun[...]

Coma Girls – “Candles”

August 20, 2023

LA transplant Chris Spino, better known under his project name Coma Girls, brings us his newest single “Candles.” Wearing many hats – from lo-fi to psych-folk to now more folk rock flavor, this is a fun way to make music and a great way to bring in fans of differing tastes into the fold. Fairly straightforward but showing his vulnerable side through lyrics, the back third of the track shows Spino turning up the distortion and putting on a real show. Fans of the folkier bits of Connor Oberst/Bright Eyes would find a lot to enjoy here, as well as Big Thief. Be sure to give “Candles” a listen on your streaming platform of choice (Apple, Spotify, Soundcloud) and check out the forthcoming album Crystal Pistol if you like what you’ve heard so far!

Honeycrush – “Stars”

August 20, 2023

“Stars” is another recently dropped single, this one from New York based Alexandra Antonpoulos – better known by her stage moniker of Honeycrush. This is released in support of her upcoming EP, Milk Teeth, due out October 17. The gently strummed guitar stays just beneath the surface of the song, giving room for Antonpoulos’ wry vocals to shine, evoking similarities to to Fiona Apple or a stripped down boygenius. The emotional kick is tempered a bit by the quieter vocals, but that approach still hits hard. Speaking to the track, Antonpoulos had this to say: “When I was writing Stars, I was dealing with a months long episode of severe anxiety which left me feeling completely detached from my physical self. It also recalls a very late, very hazy night I found myself by the Hudson River in some park where I was definitely not supposed to be in the state I[...]

Clover Pilot – “Denial”

August 20, 2023

A mysterious indie-rock solo project from New Mexico, Clover Pilot bring us their latest single, “Denial.” Having released music at a pretty steady clip since 2021, including a full length this year, Clover Pilot seems to have a strong affinity for industrial-esque effects and electric drums. The distortion in “Denial” (you’ll know it when you hear it) would sound overwrought in 99% of songs with similar effects but here it just works – excellent mixing with the vocals, a bluesy guitar swagger, and a unique production style being the chief reasons. If you enjoy some of the more experimental takes from bands like Radiohead, the hyperpop earblasts of 100 gecs, or some of the more “out there” compositions of Panda Bear, you would find plenty to enjoy with Clover Pilot. Be sure to give “Denial” a listen over on Sound Cloud, Apple Music, or Spotify. Clover Pilot · Denial

MONOWHALES – “Hear Me Out”

August 20, 2023

Toronto band MONOWHALES‘ latest single “Hear Me Out” dropped just a few days ago but has already wracked up a decent play count – and we can see why. Having won a JUNO (Canadian Music association award) for Breakthrough Group of the Year in 2022, previously been featured on the blog, and supporting fellow Canadian group Mother Mother on their tour. “Hear Me Out” is a bit of a change-up for the group as this track is less synth focused and leans into good ole fashioned alt-rock guitar sensibilities. Speaking to the song singer Sally Shaar had this to say: “When I’m on tour, I get to surround myself with the most accepting and welcoming people on earth… I feel so heard, so supported. ‘Hear Me Out’ explores how difficult it is for me to live without that outlet.” Fans of the aforementioned Mother Mother (a personal favorite of mine)[...]

Super City – “Getouttahere”

August 20, 2023

Baltimore based band Super City bring us their brand of infectious garage rock with their newest single “Getouttahere,” a track that will surely get your hips swaying and head boppin’. The band really turns their guitars up to 11 and just don’t look back at all – blowing through 2:29 with nonstop hooks and singer Dan Ryan’s crooning vocals. I could try going into the intricacies of how their drums and bass also do some heavy lifting too (or something similarly pretentious) but in all honesty, just go listen to this absolutely blistering track. If you’ve ever listened to The Hives, Electric 6, or Queens of the Stone Age and wanted something that somehow falls between the three bands, *holds up phone to music* LISTEN TO THIS! Give “Getouttahere” a listen over on Spotify, Bandcamp, or the music video over on Youtube. If you’ve enjoyed this, their full length is[...]

Otis Shanty – “Daylight Savings”

August 20, 2023

Massachusetts based quartet Otis Shanty brings a late summer B-side track (with A-side energy), “Daylight Savings,” off their Early Birds single. The band has been making music together for almost five years, and it shows in the strong composition of  “Daylight Savings.” Mostly leading with a chill guitar track that gives way to lovely diddly of a bass line, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by a trumpet making an appearance – courtesy of Sadye Bobbette (and no, it’s not a ska song). The shoegazy distortion effect really takes a front row seat for the latter half, but rather than take away from Bobbette’s vocals, it enhances them. Fans of indie darlings Real Estate and Courtney Barnett would find a lot to enjoy here, especially with the strong buildup to the indie equivalent of a breakdown. You can hear “Daylight Savings” as well as the lead single “Early Birds” over on Spotify.[...]

Child Seat – “The Punchline”

August 20, 2023

Los Angeles based indie pop duo Child Seat, consisting of Madeleine Matthews and Josiah Mazzaschi, recently debuted their new single “The Punchline.” Don’t let Matthews’ clownish appearance lull you into a false sense of humor, behind the synths and wispy vocals is a reflective song about comparing where you are versus where you thought you would be in life. The twee music video, evoking some Wes Anderson vibes, was my preferred method of listening as it takes away some of the bitter draught of the subject matter that really connected with me on a personal level (seriously, clowns and sepia tones make everything better). From the jangly guitar and superb pipes of Madeleine Matthews to the non-stop synth storm, fans of Beach House, Alvvays, or MGMT would find a lot to enjoy here. Be sure to check out “The Punchline” over on Spotify or the aforementioned music video on Youtube. Don’t[...]